Topic: Intel

Constrained supplies of Intel's new Arrandale Core i3, i5 and i7 processors may be responsible for delaying shipments of some of Apple's new MacBook Pros while postponing other PC makers' laptop launches by months.

Intel has served as Apple's sole source for the microprocessors used in its notebook and desktop personal computers since the company began its transition away from PowerPC in 2006, but that may soon change given the company's recent talks with Intel's chief CPU rival Advanced Micro Devices.

Intel, the maker of processors for Apple's entire line of Mac computers, reported record earnings this week, with its strongest first quarter in the company's history fueled by demand for new microprocessors.

The automatic graphic switching capabilities in the new 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros are accomplished with a solution created entirely by Apple, and do not rely on Nvidia's established Optimus technology.

Apple on Tuesday will finally get around to updating its MacBook Pro line of professional notebooks, which will include Intel's new Core processors ranging from 2.4GHz to 2.66GHz and include a variety of screen options, AppleInsider has been told.

Intel is struggling to meet demand for its new family of Core mobile processors that are widely expected to turn up in the next round of updates to Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro lines of notebook computers, according to a published report.

Intel this week previewed its forthcoming 32nm Core i7-980X processor, a six-core CPU codenamed "Gulftown," and a new rumor has suggested the chip could find its way into Apple's Mac Pro line as early as next Tuesday.

Constrained supplies of MacBook Pros suggest an anticipated notebook refresh is growing closer -- one that could further differentiate the premium lineup from the low-end MacBook. Also, Apple has improved its shipping times for 27-inch iMacs to three to five business days.

(Mobile World Congress) Two Linux-based mobile operating systems -- Intel's Mobilin and Nokia's Maemo -- will be merged into one platform that will run on a wide variety of mobile devices including smartphones, the two companies announced Monday.

Intel's new Core i7-980X and Core i7-970 six-core desktop processors are set to debut in March, but could see an early release on Apple's Mac Pro systems in a matter of weeks, according to a new report.